Shoestring Living: Change is good

Monday

Jul 30, 2012 at 12:01 AMJul 30, 2012 at 8:30 AM

We are stuck. For so long, Americans have struggled, grimacing at gas prices and cringing as we paid for mortgages on homes worth far less than they originally cost. While the pressures placed on us by the deflated economy have not completely lifted, I think we’re ready for a change, a new way of thinking.

Molly Logan Anderson

We are stuck. For so long, Americans have struggled, grimacing at gas prices and cringing as we paid for mortgages on homes worth far less than they originally cost. While the pressures placed on us by the deflated economy have not completely lifted, I think we’re ready for a change, a new way of thinking.

If you agree that your outlook needs a bit of tweaking as things continue to slowly improve, be smart. Plan your change wisely to make the most of opportunities that lie ahead. If you want difference or improvement in your life, take note from Albert Einstein, who said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. Don’t be insane, change. Here’s how:

Determine a place for change

Evaluate your current situation to identify ways in which you can make a difference. Financially speaking, the risk of a new business venture or a job search might have felt too big to take in recent years, but times are improving, and stepping out on a limb might makes sense now. If the risk is still too great for you, develop ideas to bring in a second stream of income, or cultivate an interest or hobby.

Set goals related to change

Once you have a plan, get to work. Outline goals related to your change; steps you must take in order to achieve success. Do some work related to those goals each day and look over your list often to keep yourself on track.

Track progress

Creating change in your life doesn’t often bring instant gratification, but tracking your progress allows you to notice the small successes that come along the way. Have you made a good networking contact? Record your success and set a new goal for building that relationship. Whether you want to change your job, your amount of savings or even the state of your health, tracking your progress builds momentum, helps you to feel good about your achievements and highlights areas where you can do even more.

Celebrate milestones

Making progress toward your goals is just what you need to focus on to have the stamina to create the real lasting change you want in your life. When you reach a milestone or planned goal, celebrate. Let your friends, family or social media networks know that you are a force to be reckoned with and that you’re on your way to great things.

In the spirit of making changes when the time is right, Shoestring Living will be making a change of its own. Look for my exciting new column, Grab the Good, focused on finding all kinds of good in every day and set to begin in early August. Stay tuned for more information on Grab the Good and the good information it includes.

Molly Logan Anderson is a freelance writer who lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband, Mike, three kids and two labs. Join Molly on her family’s journey of living a frugal life and making financial freedom their reality in her columns or visit her website at www.mollylogananderson.com, on her blog at www.butterfliesandmudpies.blogspot.com or on Twitter @MollyLoganAnder.